The Surface Properties and Wear Resistance of Cr-Mo-V Steel by Salt bath Process after Pseudo-electrolysis

Salt bath nitriding, which has been developed recently by domestic company, is an emerging eco-friendly surface treatment. The salt bath nitriding is accompanied by the electrolysis process in the pretreatment step, and this whole processis called Pseudo-Electrolysised Salt bath Nitriding (PESN). The PESN creates only NH3 and non-toxic salts without harmful CN- or toxic gas such as that found in previous salt bath nitriding. In general, ion nitriding and gas nitriding create high hardness and a strong brittle white layer on the surface. However, the PESN shows a thin white and gray layer. The PESN was applied to the defense material, 3%Cr-Mo-V steel, to study the surface characteristics at 480 degrees C, 530 degrees C, and 580 degrees C for 4 hrs, 20 hrs, 40 hrs, and 60 hrs of nitriding time condition. As a result, the best nitriding layer was found at 530 degrees C for 40 hrs. If we improve corrosion resistance and nitriding layer depth, the PESN will be able to be applied to the defense industry parts.